When to Renew Your FL Driver’s License

Before your license expires, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will mail you a renewal notice telling you that it’s time to renew. The DHSMV allows you to renew your valid FL driver’s license up to 18 months before the expiration date.

Your FL driver’s license will be valid for 8 years at a time.

If you’re 80 years old or older, your FL driver license will be valid for 6 years and you’ll be required to pass a vision test to renew it.

Valid Driver’s License

You can renew your valid FL driver’s license up to 18 months before it expires. You can renew either:

You might be able to lower your Florida insurance rates with a defensive driving course. Click here to learn more.

Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License

If your FL driving record shows that your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, the DHSMV will refuse to issue you a renewed driver’s license. For information about how to reinstate your driver’s license in Florida, visit our Suspended License in Florida page.

Lost or Stolen Driver’s License

You’ll need to bring your FL driver’s license with you when you renew in person. If it has been lost or stolen, you may still renew it online if you have your FL driver’s license number.

If you misplaced your driver’s license in Florida, you may apply for a replacement online or inperson at your local FL DMV office. Read our page about Replacing a Lost License in Florida to learn how to obtain a duplicate copy of your FL driver’s license.

Vision Testing

If you’re 80 years old or older, you must pass a vision test when you renew your FL driver license. You may have your vision test administered by a medical doctor, osteopathic physician, or an optometrist.

Your doctor must complete the Mature Driver Vision Test (Form HSMV 72119) and submit it to the FL DHSMV. If you pass the vision test, you may proceed with your FL driver’s license renewal. Otherwise, you must visit a FL licensed eye specialist and complete a Report of Eye Exam (Form HSMV 72010).

NOTE: Vision tests administered by out-of-state doctors are not accepted.

Online Renewals in Florida

Renewing your FL driver’s license online is the most convenient option. To be eligible to renew your FL driver’s license online, you must meet the following requirements:

Florida Voter Registration

Conveniently, you may register to voter in Florida while renewing your FL driver’s license. Your
local FL DMV office will also ask if you would like to update your residential address or party affiliation.

After the FL DHSMV forwards your voter registration application to your local Florida county supervisor of elections office, you will receive your official voter registration card
bymail.

Out-of-State Military Members

Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany

If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license.
Read our article for more information.

If you’re a military member stationed outside of Florida, you can renew your FL driver’s license
online up to 18 months in advance, or apply for an extension.

Driver’s License Extensions

You can apply for a free
temporary driver permit, which you can use after your discharge from military duty. Your temporary permit will extend your expired FL driver’s license for an additional 90 days. This applies to: